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[Simon Miller]

I am about to shoot a feature and want a "different" look so I am currently exploring the possibilities of shooting on Alexa Studio and using M as B camera all with anamorphic's - I know the limitations of anamorphic's but never used them on these cameras  - what are the main considerations to take into account when matching the two cams?  - should I expect similar results or are they worlds apart - will they cut together - most of the work is in the UK using natural light - a lot of night shoots and scenes of a rural nature - the output will be theatrical release if it helps - I want a very wide high quality aspect to the feel of the film rich colours and textures that you can almost feel on the screen - mostly female cast  - without makeup - or very natural looking at least  - lots of shooting into the light - lots of handheld (steady though!!) final thought  - what lenses would anyone recommend - Cookes or Hawks or indeed anything else?

Thank you so much for any answers you can provide

SJ Miller

[robstiff]

Both the Alexa M & Studio have the 4:3 sensor ability; same sensor.

I've see the Hawks demoed on the Alexa and they yield beautiful results.
The Hawks have their anamorphic element in the middle reducing some
of the possibly unwanted flares. They still flare which is nice too.

I heard Roger Deakins is shooting the new Bond movie with the Alexa Studio,
might be worth researching the specifics.

[Simon Miller]

Terrific Stuff Thanks Rob - I have shot on Red One many times and experienced so many difficulties - that I am reluctant to go back + if I am honest I have not seen the Red look anything other than video - good video but video all the same - its just too electronic - too good - but now I am a digital convert - quick, easy and cheaper - I truly believe that we cinematographers must always look for the unusual angle (you know what I mean!) - the film I am shooting demands something different and has the opportunity built into the story to do something a bit bold and brave - the director is ex BBC and when I said this he just said "yes make it a wide film!!"..could be onto something, but I need to be sure before I start taking quotes form Cam Rental houses - I have never posted footage from the Alexa series yet so need to crack that nut also...but thanks for the seemingly instant reply so far - I will keep up to date with all posts where I can - just joined this forum and it is excellent - good stuff
SJMiller

[Michael Borenstein]

Koo,

You're in great hands if you choose to shoot on Alexa.  We put our brightest and best minds on a single mission, make a camera that delivers the best image quality with the most dynamic range with the characteristics and quality of film.  Many DP's of note think that the Alexa produces better than film quality images.  This holds true for both spherical and anamorphic, as the sensors and image processing is inherently the same.  This is also true from model to model, ie Studio to M.  Both are running the same internal processing and are calibrated and QC'd to be matched perfectly.  The only difference you would see between the two is when running the mirror shutter in the Studio, as the M clearly doesn't have one.

Please let us know if you need any further support or information.  We're here to help in any way we can.

Regards
Mike

[Simon Miller]

Hi Mike thanks - you already have -

I also just heard that Arri/Zeiss have plans for world domination with some fancy new anamorphics - poss being unveiled in September as prototypes/working examples- I shall keep my eyes peeled for those as the only suitable alternatives currently are Cooke/Hawks and Arri would much prefer a feature shot on their own glass I am sure of it...!!

My shoot begins around January 2013 so plenty of time to steal (ahem) I mean conduct a bit of research and development on set...just to be sure you understand...

Its a big feature with A-List although its a tiny budget

On another note I have no idea why I chose my username as KooKooFace as I thought this was a username that only I would see - like a login!!!!!

My name is Simon J Miller

cinematographer extraordinaire!!!

But a bit thick when it comes to tech!!

Cheers have a great weekend

Simon

[Michael Borenstein]

Simon,

We showed a Master Prime Anamorphic Concept lens at NAB this year.  It's pretty amazing.  There will be more information coming throughout the year regarding specs and focal lengths, etc.  We're really excited about them.

I took the liberty of changing your name, but I will try and only address you as KooKooFace if you like.  jk.

Regards
Mike

[robstiff]

At NAB, there was an Alexa with the new light weight Alura zoom side by side with
an Alexa Studio with the Zeiss concept anamorphic lens (50mm). If you were to see
the two monitors above on display side by side, the Alexa Studio with Anamorphic lens
looked like a movie; timeless and sureal. Without this side by side comparison, if you look at footage from
an Alexa EV using and Alura 18-80, it still looks pretty cinematic vs. lots of other digital cameras out there...